Insects Made From Bike Parts by Edouard Martinet

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 123 months ago
Insects Made From Bike Parts by Edouard Martinet
Ant, Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Ant, Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Beetle, Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Beetle, Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Fish, Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Fish, Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Beetle, Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Beetle, Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Fish, Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.
Fish, Edouard Martinet. Image courtesy the artist and Sladmore Contemporary.

Many artists create art exploring the interplay of the natural and mechanical worlds, and some do so using found objects — but we've not come across any who combine the two to create such striking and innovative animal sculptures.

Edouard Martinet has created a menagerie of sculptures including birds, fish, insects and even a frog from found car and bike parts that are remarkably accurate representations. A dragonfly's wings are made from sections of a wire fence while a red ant has marbles for eyes and an abdomen made from a motorcycle headlamp.

Martinet does not shy away from the scrapyard origins of his creations, even going so far as to place brand logos on to his sculptures. This nod to the manufactured origins of his work only further prove the skill in piecing together such individualised pieces.

A personal favourite is an oversized wasp climbing into a giant glass. It takes a long hard stare to recognise the antennae are arms from a pair of spectacles, the eyes are old watch cases and the legs are made from bicycle chains.

The insects are his strongest works here largely because of the intricate nature of their construction and their scale. Martinet's sculptures are remarkable works of art and need to be seen up close to recognise just how impressive they are.

Edouard Martinet is on at Sladmore Contemporary, 32 Bruton Place, W1J 6NW from 27 November to 31 January. Entrance is free.

Last Updated 08 December 2013